Chess for Social Skills is like no other summer course as it is extremely hands-on and teacher-centred. Chess is a growing pastime in Irish primary schools with over 200 schools now joined the Ficheall.ie network of teachers promoting chess in primary schools. It is an excellent hobby for students (and teachers) for rainy days and promotes a variety of social and cognitive skills such as respect, forward planning, problem solving, decision making, accepting defeat, understanding resilience and developing a growth mind-set when exploring a new skill; all of which are explicitly addressed in the free beginner lessons available to participants.

Some testimonials from the 172 teachers who completed the course in 2021: 

• “As a total beginner to chess, I found this course so worthwhile, after a week I have the knowledge and confidence to start chess classes with my class. I actually can't wait to get it up and running, I'm addicted!”

• “The first summer course I've done that I was excited to start each day!”

• “Learn social skills while having fun through the game of chess!”

• “A course that when completed you can actually say you have learned an entire new skill! Amazing!”

• “By far the most engaging, practical and enjoyable CPD course I have ever done! I would recommend all teachers do this course.”

• “This is a fun course!”

• “Brilliant: learning, play and a social place. Ideal way to spend the first week of July!”

• “Teach your students good sportsmanship without PE!”

Feel free to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ask any questions of the course.